Hilma Nalupe

Special Olympics Namibia hosted a Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP) event last Friday at Namibia Cricket Grounds in Windhoek. 

MATP, a Special Olympics Movement-based sport programme, is designed for athletes with deep intellectual disabilities and have high support needs.

Levien Smit, the national director of Special Olympics Namibia, said the unique programme initially started at the Special Olympics two years ago.

It is a vital event in recognising the athletes’ year-long efforts. “After a whole year of training at their schools, our athletes need to be recognised and celebrated. Events like these give them the opportunity to come participate, be part of a community and be celebrated,” Smit emphasised. 

The programme is not a mainstream sport in the Special Olympics. 

It activities such as cross motor, kicking and striking activities.

Helga Burger, an occupational therapist at Side-by-Side Intervention Centre, said the activities are created and supervised in such a way that the athletes can participate without hurting themselves. 

“We identify athletes, children or adults who struggle with activities, then work out an eight-week programme tailored to their needs and celebrate their achievements after they have completed the programme,” she said.

The event, supported by Cricket Namibia, Windhoek Lions Club, Side-by-Side Early Intervention Centre and the Disability Council of Namibia, takes place once a year. 

It ensures that every athlete, regardless of ability, can participate and shine through meaningful, sport-specified activities within the Special Olympics framework. 

-hilmanalupe@gmail.com